Print

Tropical Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Tropical Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Print Recipe

Tropical Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a vibrant, flavorful one-pan dish combining juicy chicken, sweet fresh pineapple, crunchy bell peppers, fragrant herbs, and fluffy long-grain rice. This quick and easy recipe balances savory and sweet flavors with a tropical twist, perfect for busy weeknights or a colorful family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Produce

  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, roughly chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain rice (jasmine rice preferred)

Pantry & Condiments

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil (for cooking)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Chop bell peppers, garlic, ginger, and green onions. Drain and roughly chop fresh pineapple chunks to prepare for cooking.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: In the same skillet, add garlic, ginger, and chopped bell peppers. Sauté until fragrant and slightly tender, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  4. Combine Pineapple and Sauce: Return pineapple chunks to the skillet. Add soy sauce and honey, stirring gently to coat chicken and vegetables with the glaze.
  5. Cook the Rice: Prepare long-grain rice separately according to package directions or add uncooked rice to the pan with appropriate amount of water or broth. Cook until rice is fluffy and liquid is absorbed.
  6. Finish and Garnish: If rice was cooked separately, return chicken mixture to the pan and combine everything well. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh pineapple for best texture and sweetness.
  • Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure proper caramelization.
  • Allow the sauce to reduce slightly for a thicker, more flavorful glaze.
  • Opt for jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma, or toast rice briefly before cooking to add a nutty flavor.
  • Customize with jalapeños for spice, or substitute chicken with shrimp or firm tofu as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: pineapple chicken rice, tropical chicken recipe, quick dinner, one pan meal, gluten free chicken dish, sweet and savory chicken

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/tropical-pineapple-chicken-and-rice/